Samsung said that the Youm technology will allow its hardware partners to create a whole new range of devices with "bended, foldable and moulded screens".

At the keynote, Samsung Display executive Brian Berkeley said: "It won't break even if it's dropped. This new form-factor will really begin to change how people interact with their devices, opening up new lifestyle possibilities ... allow our partners to create a whole new ecosystem of devices."

The company also showed off a Youm device with a display that was curved at the edge, designed to give extra screen real estate.

Samsung suggested that the curved edge could be used to display messages to the user while keeping the rest of the display free.

Some reports have suggested that Samsung's Youm flexible display technology will debut with the firm's Galaxy S4 smartphone, which is expected to be unveiled this spring.